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I know the 4th of July isn't until Monday, but I figured you might need a head start in getting things ready for your big celebrations so I thought I'd bring you the goods a few days beforehand.

When I think of the 4th of July, I think of berries. And fireworks. And independence. But mostly berries. Is that weird? Perhaps that fruit flag cake that everyone makes has become an indelible reminder of our nation's independence for me.

I'm pretty sure Jon would cringe upon reading that, but it's the truth. The flag cake has become synonymous with the 4th for many of us. It allows us to partake in a sweet and somewhat healthy food while also "showing our patriotism." And if we really want to show out, we'll make sure that there are exactly 50 blue berries gracing the upper left-hand corner of our creation. That means we really appreciate the land of the free.

All kidding aside, the flag cake isn't a bad thing to make for the 4th of July. Aft…

Yesterday morning I forced myself out of bed (it was dark and stormy and the perfect "I think I'll sleep a little longer" weather) to get ready for my workout class that I always attend. After getting ready and heading into the gym, I was greeted with a sign on the class door saying that it had been canceled for the day.

I, of course, felt like this was God's way of telling me I shouldn't work out for the day. I mean I guess I could have hung around and ran on the treadmill, but I didn't have my headphones with me. And running on the treadmill without headphones is no bueno. So, naturally, I decided that I should drive to the grocery store and pick up some ingredients to make this no-bake peanut butter pie instead.

I whipped it up yesterday afternoon, and I must say, it was delicious. And easy. Both very important things when it comes to me and cooking. And contrary to what my post title says, I did not woof it all down. In fact, I shared it with Jon…

I was drawn to this sweet hound/shepherd mix girl for three reasons. One, because she reminds me of my little Remington who brightens our life every day. Two, because she resides at the Shelby Humane Society, which is where my college dog, Barney, came from. And lastly because the Shelby Humane Society, who normally requires a $135 adoption fee, will be lowering their adoption fee to just $17.76 from July 1-July 9! That is a WONDERFUL deal and great opportunity for you to bring a furry friend into your home. Please call (205) 669-3916 ext. 21 with any questions. The shelter is located in Columbiana, AL, and is open Tuesday – Saturday 12:00PM - 5:30PM.For more information on Miss Ela, go here. If you are interested in learning more about any of the dogs up for adoption, please e-mail Sara and list the dog's name and ID number in the subject line.

Designed by Jeffrey Alan Marks from Million Dollar Decorators on Bravo, Tavern in Los Angeles, is one of the cities most beloved eateries. And although it is often in the news for its highly acclaimed cuisine, it also achieves high marks in my book for design.

Many people scour the Internet, magazines and books for design stimulus when all they really need to do is go out to eat. Restaurants are a great source for inspiration, and this restaurant is no exception. Revered for its "enticing environment" by the LA Times, this charming Brentwood establishment definitely has me drooling over more than just its menu.

Let's take a little look at Tavern, starting with its curb appeal. Right from the start, I'm a fan. The slate gray exterior, striped awning, double doors and potted shrubs are so inviting. This place just says "come on in and stay awhile."

Tavern is broken up into three different areas: The Larder, the bar and the restaurant. The Larder, mean…

We don't find out the sex of baby Smith until the end of July, so all of my pre-baby shower planning has to work for both sexes. As I mentioned last Wednesday, the color palettes for both will be very similar with the exception of one color substitution.

Both color palettes are soft and muted, but still have enough presence to make a statement. Here's what I'm thinking for a little girl- gray, salmon pink, white and pea green.

For a little boy, it will be gray, slate blue, white and pea green. We'll see if I actually stick to these colors, come October, but this is the plan! There are so many decisions to make when it comes to planning the shower, and my indecisive self will be asking all of you for your opinions on certain things. I suppose it's not a bad thing to have so much inspiration that it's hard to chose, though! I've already started piling up my inspiration files and writing out my to do lists. I even created a PowerPoint and listed all of my f…

I feel like showing you a hodgepodge post today. Sometimes I'm inspired by many different things that don't all fit into the same category, but are all just as lovely. Here are a few of my recent favorite things.

New Favorite Quote: "Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands." -Elisabeth Elliot

New Favorite Craft: I must make this! via Emersonmade.com
New Favorite Artwork: Lyrics from The Avett Brothers song "Murder in the City"-Perfect for our 16 month anniversary today :) via Madebybird.com New Favorite Photo: This picture says "summer" to me. Learn how to make the parasols here. via Papermash
New Favorite Show: Selling New York on HGTV. Real estate + my favorite city=addicting

Create an outdoor side table by adding a paving stone to the top of a planter. Pick up a set of old shutter doors (try Craigslist, thrift stores, antique stores or salvage yards) to give your bedroom a summer cottage feel. They function great as headboards and will trick you into thinking you're at the beach. Paint an older piece of furniture in a bright color. Add a little distressing treatment to make it look aged. I'm pretty sure I need piece of furniture this color somewhere in my next home. via Better Homes and Gardens Have a great Thursday!

My recent trip to the thrift store had me leaving with 10 items all for a total of $14.55! Over half of the items purchased I plan to use at my sister's baby shower in October. It was definitely a successful trip!

I've decided I want Meredith's baby shower to have a shabby chic, vintage vibe. To me, shabby chic designs are so lovely and sweet. So even if Baby Smith turns out to be a boy, I think it will work (with a slight change in the color palette-gray, green and blue (instead of pink)). After all, nothing is more sweet or lovely than a new baby right? My vision is of wooden crates, bunting, lots of cake stands, flowers mercury glass, etc.Here's some of my inspiration... I'll give you the rundown of all of my finds starting with the baby shower items. Baby shower itemsGlass cake stand- 2.99Lantern- 96¢Black wooden crate- 89¢ with 75% off= 22¢Brown wooden crate- 1.99 with 25% off= 1.50Cutting board- 1.39Black metal tray- 79¢Regular ItemsGlass cylinder- 59¢ wi…